Former energy broker to lead South East Water ‘Choice’

South East Water has appointed former energy broker James Dubois as managing director of its business retail arm, South East Water Choice, ahead of market opening next April.

Dubois has extensive experience in the retail sector having spent 18 years in the energy industry, including six years with British Gas following deregulation of the energy market.

The last 10 years he has worked for two energy brokers. The most recent, Lumina Energy, is owned by Kent County Council and was set up to help local businesses review and save money on their energy costs.

Dubois insisted South East Water Choice will offer the “highest standards of customer service” to existing and potential customers.

“South East Water Choice will be offering customers a one-stop shop for water and wastewater, making the buying experience more streamlined,” he said. “Our aim is to provide greater value to customers through simplifying our services, as well as looking at a broad range of additional products and services that provide added benefits.

“We have a team at South East Water Choice who really know the needs of local businesses and will be continuing to talk to our customers to find more ways we can support the water needs of those across the south east.”

South East Water currently supplies customers with drinking water. It has applied to Ofwat for a licence that will enable it to retail wastewater services too, allowing it to offer a single bill for its water and wastewater services.

South East Water Choice is the company’s new brand for business customers. It will deliver services to existing customers, and will also compete for new customers across the south east.

Affinity Water is now the only incumbent English company, aside from those looking to exit, which has not applied for a water supply and sewerage licence (WSSL). It said it will make known its plans next month.